By
Michael Sophocles
The X FACTOR unlike the Apprentice seems to revel in making incorrect decisions when it comes to choosing who will be departing the show. This naturally leads to controversy that in turn leads to fierce debate, which concludes finally in viewing figures soaring.
This point is of great interest to me. The Apprentice does offer a certain kind of rough justice when it comes to the boardroom. However I always find that if you pay close attention throughout the task and examine the behaviour of the losing team in the boardroom, the correct decision is made perhaps nine times out of ten.
The Apprentice of course is not a popularity contest and the public are not privy to any sort of decision-making. The show prides itself on being about displaying the finest business talent on show and watching how this supposed ability can handle extreme pressure.
The winner of the Apprentice is the one that can endure stress for the longest. Public opinion aside, The X Factor follows the same basic formula. The contestants are there for their singing/performing ability foremost. (At least this is what we are told) They then must withstand the pressure that is mounted on them by sensationalist press campaigns and the constant marketing of themselves as mainstream pop stars for the masses. (Even if that branding jars with their natural disposition.)
Anyway I am rambling but my point is that the X Factor is not interested in the right decision being made. The progress of talented people is nipped in the bud at the expense of ratings. Cowell’s PR team can argue that talent is subjective for this is a pretext veiling the truth.
Katie Waissel is Simon’s jewel in the crown. Since she auditioned for the show she has be seen as a conniving vixen. A devious individual who will do whatever it takes to be famous and successful at the expense of her dignity.
Katie’s singing is at best sub standard but Cowell has not finished with her yet! He wants Katie to stay in the process as long as is conceivably possible and if that means other more able contestants get the boot, then so be it!
Is this fair? Well that’s what everybody involved in the show signed up for so I guess they cannot be publicly aggrieved without coming across embittered by the process.
Katie has been labelled the most disliked contestant of all time and from knowing her personally I can safely say she is no monster. Katie has always been prone to wearing her heart on her sleeve and her naivety is misjudged as her being disingenuous.
It will be interesting to see how long she lasts in the competition and I would like Jewish Chronicle readers to let me know if she still deserves to be in the running thought her own ability.
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